West Ham United and Newcastle United are both reportedly interested in the 26-year-old.
It was reported earlier this month that Newcastle United and West Ham United were both interested in signing Yoshinori Muto.
According to German outlet Bild, West Ham have recently joined Newcastle in the race to sign the £14 million-rated forward.
But if recent reports are true, the Irons might have the upper hand to sign him.
According to According to The Daily Mail’s Live Transfer Blog [23/07/2018 10:20], the Magpies remain keen and will make their move – but only when Fulham complete their proposed £20 million transfer of Aleksandar Mitrovic.
Therefore, West Ham could rustle up the reported £14 million needed to sign the Japan international – who featured for his country at the World Cup – before the Mitrovic deal happens.
So long as Newcastle’s interest hinges on the Serbian’s future, the East Londoners have the advantage of being able to sanction a move.
The Hammers have spent over £50 million on the additions of Andriy Yarmolenko and Felipe Anderson recently, so a move for Muto – who can play up front and on both wings – may not be a priority anymore.
But if he remains in Manuel Pellegrini’s thoughts then the Chilean manager must capitalise on Newcastle’s situation and strike while the iron is hot.
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